The Multi-Link-Panel system glazed with Georgian wired polycarbonate from pioneering polycarbonate roofing supplier Twinfix was specified by Network Rail for the entrance canopy element of a £1 million refurbishment of historic Wigan Wallgate station in Lancashire.

The glazing panels, each comprising fast-track “fix and link” aluminium structural bars glazed with 6mm solid Georgian wired polycarbonate, were pre-assembled at Twinfix’s factory in Warrington, Cheshire, for delivery to site for installation by specialist contractor Everlast Rail.

The refurbishment of the Grade II listed canopy, which had been leaking, included the redecoration of all steelwork, the liquid waterproofing of canopy gutters and the replacement of the traditional glass with Twinfix’s lightweight polycarbonate system.

Polycarbonate is typically 200 times tougher and half the weight of glass and at Wigan Wallgate, combined with the Multi-Link-Panels which can be installed in two thirds of the time of traditional split-bar glazing systems, the system performed to Class B of the HSE’s recommended drop test ACR[M] 001:2014 “Test for non-fragility of profiled sheeting roofing assemblies.”

The 120m² canopy at Wigan Wallgate is a steel-framed structure with three central lantern bays, each with a pitched glazed roof approximately 9m long by 3.5m wide, with similar but shorter bays each side of 3.5m in length. The Twinfix panels were installed at 600mm centres.

To comply with planning requirements an additional detail was added to the standard design in the form of a small triangular fin at the top of each glazing bar. The purpose of this fin was to keep the glazing bar in keeping with the look of the original bar, ensuring a sympathetic restoration of the station.